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POLK SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Welcomes Stewart; Says Bye To Nickell, O'Reilly

By MERISSA GREENTHE LEDGER

Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 12:05 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 12:05 a.m.

BARTOW | Amid tears and cheers, good-byes were given Tuesday to School Board member Frank O'Reilly and Superintendent of Schools Sherrie Nickell while John Stewart was welcomed as interim superintendent.

Facts

"Thank you for honoring me with this opportunity. I know we will work together well."

JOHN STEWART, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

O'Reilly decided to not seek re-election after 12 years on the board, and Nickell sent a letter to employees last week that she would begin her retirement earlier than announced. O'Reilly received a plaque for his service to the School Board, and Nickell, who has been in the position for three years, was honored with flowers.

During the meeting, the board approved a contract agreement with Stewart that includes $12,000 per month salary and a $750 per month car allowance. His appointment as interim superintendent is effective today.

Stewart told board members he was ready to get to work.

"Thank you for honoring me with this opportunity," Stewart said. "I know we will work together well."

After the School Board approved Stewart's contract, board member Debra Wright said a loud "Amen." Wright said Stewart was the right choice to lead the district during this time of transition. She recounted the ascension in the district of her late husband, Clint Wright, under Stewart.

"I know he comes in embracing all of our community in Polk," Wright said. Stewart was appointed superintendent in Polk in 1983 after the death of Clem Churchwell. At the time, the superintendent was an elected position, and Stewart was re-elected three times. He resigned in 1996.

The School Board meeting took on the tone of a roast for O'Reilly and a church service for Nickell and Stewart as board members gave their remarks about all three.

Board member Lori Cunningham said Nickell showed a strong work ethic and she was always poised and professional.

"Life is about changing seasons," Cunningham said. "At this time of thanksgiving, I am thankful for your service."

Nickell, who fought back tears during congratulations on her more than 25 years in the district, said she was grateful to the board for giving her the opportunity to serve.

"I want to thank everyone for your care and concern," she said.

Board member Kay Fields said O'Reilly stood up for issues when others wouldn't.

"You stand by your convictions, even when you have to stand by yourself," Fields said.

In his final words to his board members and district staff, O'Reilly read the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

"Through it all, I stood tall and did it my way," O'Reilly said about his 12 years to the board. "Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew ... when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out."

Gail McKinzie, the Polk County School District's first appointed superintendent and first female in the job, flew into town to say her thanks to O'Reilly and offered condolences to Nickell, who made a decision to retire early because of health issues in her family.

"I really appreciate your passion," McKinzie said to O'Reilly. "Sometimes, we didn't always agree but you always asked me what was the thinking behind the recommendation."

<p>BARTOW | Amid tears and cheers, good-byes were given Tuesday to School Board member Frank O'Reilly and Superintendent of Schools Sherrie Nickell while John Stewart was welcomed as interim superintendent.</p><p>O'Reilly decided to not seek re-election after 12 years on the board, and Nickell sent a letter to employees last week that she would begin her retirement earlier than announced. O'Reilly received a plaque for his service to the School Board, and Nickell, who has been in the position for three years, was honored with flowers.</p><p>During the meeting, the board approved a contract agreement with Stewart that includes $12,000 per month salary and a $750 per month car allowance. His appointment as interim superintendent is effective today.</p><p>Stewart told board members he was ready to get to work.</p><p>"Thank you for honoring me with this opportunity," Stewart said. "I know we will work together well."</p><p>After the School Board approved Stewart's contract, board member Debra Wright said a loud "Amen." Wright said Stewart was the right choice to lead the district during this time of transition. She recounted the ascension in the district of her late husband, Clint Wright, under Stewart.</p><p>"I know he comes in embracing all of our community in Polk," Wright said. Stewart was appointed superintendent in Polk in 1983 after the death of Clem Churchwell. At the time, the superintendent was an elected position, and Stewart was re-elected three times. He resigned in 1996.</p><p>The School Board meeting took on the tone of a roast for O'Reilly and a church service for Nickell and Stewart as board members gave their remarks about all three.</p><p>Board member Lori Cunningham said Nickell showed a strong work ethic and she was always poised and professional.</p><p>"Life is about changing seasons," Cunningham said. "At this time of thanksgiving, I am thankful for your service."</p><p>Nickell, who fought back tears during congratulations on her more than 25 years in the district, said she was grateful to the board for giving her the opportunity to serve.</p><p>"I want to thank everyone for your care and concern," she said.</p><p>Board member Kay Fields said O'Reilly stood up for issues when others wouldn't.</p><p>"You stand by your convictions, even when you have to stand by yourself," Fields said.</p><p>In his final words to his board members and district staff, O'Reilly read the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's "My Way."</p><p>"Through it all, I stood tall and did it my way," O'Reilly said about his 12 years to the board. "Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew ... when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out."</p><p>Gail McKinzie, the Polk County School District's first appointed superintendent and first female in the job, flew into town to say her thanks to O'Reilly and offered condolences to Nickell, who made a decision to retire early because of health issues in her family.</p><p>"I really appreciate your passion," McKinzie said to O'Reilly. "Sometimes, we didn't always agree but you always asked me what was the thinking behind the recommendation."</p>